Bodrum Honeymoon Guide

Famous for its lively nightlife of late-night bars, clubs and discos – second only to Istanbul – Bodrum offers all the ingredients you need for a fun-filled honeymoon or romantic getaway holiday in Turkey.

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Castle of St Peter, Bodrum – Image courtesy of yesbodrum.com

Introducing Bodrum

Discover Bodrum, a popular seaside resort located on Turkey's Aegean Coast.

Bodrum was once known as Halicarnassus and as the home of the famous Greek historian Herodotus. Around the scenic peninsula sits a choice of great beaches, picturesque fishing villages, ancient sites and some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in Turkey.

What to do and see in Bodrum

The ancient fishing village is built of low-rise whitewashed houses edged with purple bougainvillea and occupies an idyllic setting facing twin harbours crammed with traditional wooden gulets (sailing boats) and fronting a deep, blue bay surrounded by rolling brown hills covered with olive and tangerine groves.

Explore on foot a maze of narrow streets that links the Old Town to the harbour. Here you can find numerous fashion boutiques, handicraft shops, cafes and restaurants. Browse the traffic-free Dr Alim Bey Caddesi, crammed with shops selling Turkish carpets, jewellery, leatherwear and local handicrafts as well as fake watches and designer clothing.

Examine the famous Mausoleum of Antiquity – one of the original Seven Wonders of the World – then visit the Roman theatre and the so-called Myndos Gate, the best-preserved surviving section of the ancient city walls.

Stroll the crenellated ramparts of the towering Castle of St Peter – a one-time Crusader castle – which dominates the town from its location on a small peninsula that divides the two harbours, and which is now home to the world’s finest Museum of Underwater Archaeology.

After dark, choose from countless local meyhanes restaurants, cafes and bars along the seafront Cumhuriyet Caddesi. Then dance the night away at the renowned Halikarnass disco – arguably the biggest open-air nightclub in Europe, famous for its laser shows and ideal for fun-loving honeymoon couples.

Further afield, explore the Bodrum Peninsula by dolmus (shared minibus), car or water taxi, on day trips to numerous seaside villages, including: Gumbet, with its superb beach lined with bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels; Gumusluk, famed for its sunken ruins and quayside seafood restaurants; Torba, where fishermen still haul in their nets; and Turkbuku, a favourite spot of Turkey's jet set, with its range of upmarket beach clubs and boutique hotels including Maça Kizi Hotel and the Havana Beach Club.

Swim in Cleopatra's Pool among broken Classical columns, take a boat trip on a gulet to neighbouring islands, stopping off to snorkel deserted coves and exploring little-known archaeological sites, or take a short ferry over to the Greek island of Kos.

Further afield, discover some of the world's best-preserved cities from antiquity including: the 2000-year-old picture-perfect ruins of Ephesus, where St Paul preached to the Ephesians; the extraordinary petrified waterfalls of Pamukkale, where calcified limestone has coated the side of the hill in a fairytale cascade of pools; the ruined city of Hierapolis, famous for its necropolis; and the imposing temple of Apollo at Didyma.

Best beaches near Bodrum

Despite its seaside location, Bodrum’s town beaches are not so inviting. Instead, jump into a dolmus (shared minibus) or water taxi and head to the nearby sand-and-shingle beaches at Gumbet, Bitez and Kargi.

Bodrum’s rocky peninsula is indented with secluded coves fringed by unnamed beaches – perfect for day trips of swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. Just remember to pack a picnic!

Torba Beach

Unwind on this small crescent of pale golden sand facing a turquoise bay and surrounded by low hills covered with pine trees and olive groves.

The beachfront Izer Hotel & Beach Club offers a range of ammenities.

The peaceful village of Torba is just 5km from Bodrum on the northern side of the peninsula.

Gumbet Beach

Relax on this 600m-long crescent of white sand that slopes gently into clean water and is fringed by a tamarisk-edged promenade lined with bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels.

Facilities provided free to customers by these establishments include parasols and sun loungers. Water sports include windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing and paragliding.

Gumbet is located on the peninsula's south shore, around 4km west of Bodrum.

Bitez Beach

This golden-sand beach curves around a wide cove of clear turquoise water framed by tree-clad hillsides, around 7km from Bodrum.

Facilities include free parasols and sun loungers provided by beachside bars, restaurants and hotels. Water sports include windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, paragliding and a sailing centre.

Come for a day from Bodrum or stay longer at the 4-star Okaliptus Hotel, which nestles in an orange grove facing a pleasant beach.

Kargi Beach

Take a boat ride from Bodrum to this quiet golden-sand beach where you can swim, sunbathe or try a spot of camel riding.

Facilities include parasols and sun beds for hire, with a range of water sports activities also available.

Come for a day and snack at the beachside seafood restaurants or stay longer at the beachfront 4-star Javelin Hotel.

Kargi Beach (aka Camel Beach) lies to the west of Bodrum.

Akyarlar Beach

Relax on this golden-sand beach facing the shallow turquoise waters of a sheltered bay perfect for windsurfing.

Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire as well as beachfront restaurants. Akyarlar is just 13km from Bodrum.

Ortakent-Yasi Beach

Pick a spot to sunbathe and swim on this kilometre-long golden-sand and shingle beach that lies beneath tangerine orchards and the famous 17th century white multi-storey houses of Ortakent.

Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, with a choice of beachside bars, restaurants and nearby hotels.

Ortakent is located on the south coast of the peninsula, around 14 km from Bodrum.

Where to stay in Bodrum

Bodrum City and the nearby coastal region offers a huge range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, including the following…

The Marmara BodrumLocation: Bodrum CityRating: 5-star Ave nightly price: AUD288 per room Description: Set on a hilltop, this designer hotel features a free-form outdoor pool with 180° views of Bodrum Bay and Kos Island. It has a spa and a fitness center, and rooms with free Wi-Fi. The Marmara Bodrum features a collection of statues created by painter and sculptor Mevlut Akyildiz. The hotel's transparent toilet doors are designed by French architect Christian Allart. All rooms at the Marmara Bodrum have luxury bedding and are fitted with ornate wood furniture. Each one has air conditioning, flat-screen TV and a private balcony or terrace, some of which overlook the sea. A mix of international and Turkish items, including fresh bread and local cheese, are served for the buffet breakfast. Lunch and dinner menus are available. Guests can also relax with a glass of wine and enjoy sunset views from the pool’s deck chairs. The aduly only Marmara Bodrum is a 15-minute drive from Bodrum Milas Airport. Bodrum Marina is a 2-minute drive away, and Bodrum Castle is just over half a kilometer from the hotel. Free parking is available on site.

Voyage Bodrum HotelLocation: Bodrum CityRating: 5-star Ave nightly price: AUD279 per room Description: Located just 900 metres from Bodrum city centre, this beachfront resort has an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic ocean views. It also features 1 main restaurant as well as an international a’la carte restaurant. The rooms at the Voyage Bodrum include a minibar, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The International a’la carte restaurant serves fresh international cuisines, while the Main Restaurant offers variety of dishes. The Voyage also features a Pastry Shop, where guests can enjoy a range of deluxe desserts. Meals at the hotel can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors. The Bodrum’s outdoor swimming pool is surrounded by palm trees and parasols. Guests can also enjoy a drink at the pool bar or beach bar. The property is accessible from the sea. Milas-Bodrum Airport is 40 km away.

Vera Miramar Resort Ultra All InclusiveLocation: Bodrum CityRating: 5-star Ave nightly price: AUD180 per room Description: Located on the seafront, Vera Miramar Resort offers a private beach and air-conditioned rooms with sea or garden views. The hotel has an outdoor pool, indoor pool, sauna and a Turkish bath. All rooms include a mini refrigerator, satellite TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. Free toiletries are also available. Lindita Restaurant offers selected dishes from international cuisine with indoor or outdoor dining options. You can also enjoy sea food in Taverna Restaurant, Turkish grill dishes in Grill Restaurant or Italian dishes in the Carpaccio Restaurant. There is a fitness centre in Vera Miramar Resort. You can also play mini golf on site. Bodrum city centre is 2 km from the hotel. Milas-Bodrum Airport is 36 km away.

Caresse a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, BodrumLocation: Gumbet (4 km from Bodrum City)Rating: 5-star Ave nightly price: AUD473 per room Description: Offering a spa centre and sauna, Caresse a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum is located in Bitez in the Aegean Region. The resort has a seasonal outdoor pool and a private beach area, and guests can enjoy a drink at the bar. All rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Each room has a private bathroom fitted with a bath and shower. Extras include bath robes, slippers and free toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Bodrum windmills is 2 km from Caresse a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum, while Pedasa Antique City is 3.4 km from the property. Milas-Bodrum Airport is 36 km away.

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay BodrumLocation: Yaliciftlik (8.3 km from Bodrum City) Rating: 5-star Prices: from AUD504per room Description: Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum enjoys a quiet location, overlooking Gokova Bay. It provides luxury rooms with private balconies, 2 swimming pools, restaurants with sea views and free Wi-Fi. The hotel also has a blue-flagged private sandy beach. The non-smoking rooms at the Kempinski Hotel feature stylish furnishings and modern décor. Each room has its own seating area, satellite TV and a spacious bathroom. All rooms enjoy panoramic views over the Aegean Sea. The exclusive spa offers East Asian treatments and massages. The Hotel Kempinski Bodrum also provides a sauna, fitness centre and Turkish bath. Guests can take diving courses or enjoy fishing tours and parasailing. Other water sport activities include wake board and water ski, windsurfing and water buggy. All activities incur a surcharge. Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum is conveniently located a 10-minute drive from The Mausoleum of Halikarnassus, Greek Amphitheater and Bodrum Castle. Bodrum Airport is 35 km away. Free valet parking and a ticket service are available.

Swissôtel Resort Bodrum BeachLocation: Turgutreis (16.7 km from Bodrum City)Rating: 5-star Ave nightly price: AUD330 per room Description: Located in Turgutreis, Swissotel Resort Bodrum Beach features a private beach area, indoor and outdoor pools. Free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk are available in this beachfront property. Offering wonderful views of the sea and the islands, all the air-conditioned rooms in Swissotel Resort Bodrum Beach has a telephone, safe box, seating area, electric kettle, minibar and a flat-screen TV. The private bathrooms are fitted with a shower and a hairdryer. Purovel toiletries include shower gel, shampoo and cream. The restaurant at the Swissotel Resort Bodrum Beach serves an à la carte menu from Asian and Mediterranean cuisines. Beachside restaurant serves a variety of Turkish mezzes, fresh fish and meat gourmet skewers. Various beverages and refreshments are also available at the bar. Guests can relax int the spa&wellness centre in Swissotel Resort Bodrum Beach. Turgutreis town centre is 2.3 km from the property. Milas-Bodrum Airport is 57.1 km away.

Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travellers have to say about these and more hotels in Bodrum at TripAdvisor.

Best time to honeymoon in Bodrum

The best time to visit Bodrum is between the months of May and October when the average temperature is 25°C.

The climate along the Turkish coast is mild year round, however the temperature often exceeds 30°C during the peak season months of July and August; all the major hotels need to be booked in advance at this time.